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Clips for Cancer raised $300,000 to ensure that programs and services are available for the increasing number of local children diagnosed with cancer at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
More than 50 community leaders from throughout Southwest Florida volunteered to let pediatric cancer survivors shave their heads on Facebook Live during the month for awareness of the effects of cancer treatment, which often includes hair loss, while also raising funds for Barbara's Friends - Golisano Children's Hospital's cancer program.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 100 children have been diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Thanks to events like Clips for Cancer, which inspired several other events during the month, and the generous Southwest Florida community, Barbara's Friends has a 26-year history of helping kids with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. To date, Barbara's Friends has cared for more than 10,000 local children. The program helps offset the cost of medical expenses, programs and services to keep kids close to home for lifesaving care.
In addition to the shaving events, Barbara's Friends Advisory Board members Jenna Montone held special donation classes at the Pure Barre Fort Myers and Gateway studios she owns, raising $2,000, and Justin O'Brien and his partners at 3 Peppers Burrito Co. donated 100% of proceeds from all kids' meals sold throughout the month, raising over $3,500.
For information about Barbara's Friends and how you can help local children, visit BarbarasFriends.org.
Established in 1995, Barbara's Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across Southwest Florida at Golisano Children's Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 10,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away because of their family's inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara's Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.
Established in 1994, Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a "Top Hospital" three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children's hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children's Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children's hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children's Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant's 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.